(Newser)
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Unless Dick Durbin makes a stink about it, it appears that Chuck Schumer will replace Harry Reid as the Senate's Democratic leader come 2016. In an interview after announcing that he would not run for re-election, Reid tells the Washington Post that the New York senator is his pick. "I think Schumer should be able to succeed me," he says. Schumer is currently the No. 3 Democrat, with Illinois' Durbin ahead of him as minority whip. But Reid spoke to Durbin today by phone and tells the Post that Durbin will step aside for Schumer.

Neither Schumer nor Durbin has made an official comment on succession plans, but Schumer's team has long made it known that he would try to replace Reid whenever he stepped down, reports the Hill. One other name being mentioned frequently as a contender is the fourth-ranking Democrat, Patty Murray of Washington state. Even before Reid's endorsement, however, Schumer was the heavy favorite, notes the Hill.

When corrupt bitter ol' Hairy Reid wants to be replaced by Schumer, that doesn't say much for Schumer.

Chris Farley

Mar 30, 2015 7:13 AM CDT

TVERPO? A Huge AIPAC stooge being put at the speaker position? Duel citizen? Not a peep?

kumatose

Mar 29, 2015 1:02 PM CDT

People in a national legislative position should be elected by the nation's voting public... not by the most senior corrupt officials. The voters of Kentucky and the 8th district of Ohio should only be able to place an elected representative in the Senate and the House... not into the nation's leadership positions. Any position above representative and Senator, the selection process belongs to the nation.